(StatePoint) Cats are famously low-maintenance companions. They don’t need walks, they entertain themselves, and they’re perfectly happy ignoring you for hours at a time. But as any devoted cat owner knows, low-maintenance doesn’t mean no impact. From the food in their bowl to the litter in their box, cats leave a measurable mark on the planet. The good news is that a few small, practical changes can add up to something meaningful — without requiring a lifestyle overhaul or a bigger budget. Here’s where to start:
(StatePoint) Spring is the perfect time for a home refresh! While dusting the ceiling fan and scrubbing the tub are likely already on your to-do list, the most essential task of all may not be on your radar: cleaning and testing your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. A fresh home is great, but a safe one is even better. Did you know that working smoke alarms in the home doubles your chances of safely escaping a house fire? That’s according to the National Fire Protection Association. This spring, Kidde, a pioneer in early smoke detection for over 100 years, is highlighting the importance of keeping your smoke and CO alarms up to date. Here’s what they want you to know:
(StatePoint) Every year the Bluegrass State is home to more than 700 festivals and fairs, all of which celebrate some aspect of Kentucky culture, food, arts and so much more.
(StatePoint) Sponsored Advertising Content. A new study exploring the relationship between Americans and their money, reveals how emerging technologies and shifting attitudes are changing money habits.
(StatePoint) When it comes to learning history, there is something about the act of walking around a historical site that will drive a lesson home in a way that is nearly impossible to replicate with films, books and other media.
(StatePoint) If you’re the parent of a college-bound student, you’ll soon be receiving financial aid award letters. Making sense of these letters and planning your next steps can help you navigate the years ahead.
(StatePoint) When families have safe, stable housing, access to high-quality early development programs, and other supports that meet their needs, young children have a strong foundation to grow. However, too many families are struggling to meet children’s basic needs.
(StatePoint) American educators work every day to give their students a brighter future. Unfortunately, not all classrooms are equipped with tools and resources that match the dedication of teachers and the potential of students.
(StatePoint) Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and paid sick leave help workers maintain their livelihoods while taking care of themselves and their families. And now, several states in the South have begun to expand worker access to these critical benefits.
(StatePoint) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is spreading across the country, but it’s not too late to take steps to protect babies from severe illness associated with the virus.
(StatePoint) Early experiences during the prenatal period and first three years after birth shape brain development and the development of all other systems in the body — with substantial effects on learning, behavior, and physical and mental health. Unfortunately, there is a great discrepancy between the rising costs of raising young children and the level of federal government investment in them.
(StatePoint) The beginning of the year is a natural time for a reset, especially when it comes to budgets and better-for-you habits. With cold and flu season still in full swing, it’s also a time when many people start thinking about how to stay healthy without spending more than they planned.
(StatePoint) In a time of confusion and inconsistent information, healthcare professionals want you to know that it’s not too late to get vaccinated this respiratory season. Getting vaccinated helps protect against potentially serious diseases like influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease.
(StatePoint) Living to 100 may sound extraordinary, but research suggests it’s more achievable—and enjoyable—than many people think. Studies show the majority of centenarians rate their health as good, and large numbers of people in this age group are mobile, active and optimistic.
(StatePoint) When you think about the USO, you likely think about entertainment tours or airport lounges, but the organization’s scope is much wider than that.
(StatePoint) Employers can provide meaningful support to their workers when they face domestic or sexual violence, but a new survey finds most are unprepared to do so. The majority of survivors of domestic violence report that they were in the workforce when the violence occurred, and four in five (79%) say it made it more difficult for them to stay in their jobs. Yet doing so – and maintaining their income – is essential for many trying to create a safe and stable future.
(StatePoint) For years, young families have struggled to find quality affordable child care—a problem created by long-term lack of government investments and exacerbated by the pandemic and inflation. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called the nation’s child care system “a textbook example of a broken market.” Thousands of programs have closed in recent years and for those still operating, prices are high and waitlists long.
(StatePoint) Scammers don’t take days off. From phishing emails to package theft, fraudsters and scammers can cost you money. Fortunately, you can stay one step ahead of them with these simple tips to help protect yourself.
(StatePoint) For the millions of Americans touched by Alzheimer’s disease, 2025 brought major advances in understanding of brain health and progress in diagnosis and treatment. Here are the year’s biggest advances, along with how you can take action with this knowledge in 2026:
(StatePoint) Greater income allows parents to better meet children’s basic needs, and financial stability can reduce parental stress. Advocates say that child tax credits (CTCs) provide one avenue for states to increase family resources and are encouraged by progress being made by Washington, D.C. and states around the country.
(StatePoint) Have you tossed plastic into a recycling bin recently? There’s a large chance that material won’t be recycled. That’s according to a new report, which finds that after decades of being touted as a solution to pollution, plastic recycling is not all it’s cracked up to be. The report also highlights the growing scientific consensus on the health risks and economic costs of plastic pollution.
(StatePoint) Retirees become eligible to claim Social Security benefits at age 62, but the timing of when you claim can drastically impact your benefit amount. Still, when to claim will be entirely dependent on your unique situation. As you approach retirement, it’s important to understand the impact that timing has on your benefits.